WATFORD Borough Council's new chairman has decided to focus on celebrating the youth of the town during his year in office.

Councillor Rabi Martins, who represents Central ward, was unanimously elected as chairman by his fellow members last week.

Elected to the council in 1994, Councillor Martins spoke of his concerns over intolerance in younger members of society.

With a view to helping the youth in Watford he nominated the Saracens Foundation, which helps children through getting them involved in sport, Watford Scouts and The Peace Hospice Stars as his three chairman's charities for the year 2006/07. Councillor Sheila Smillie was elected as his consort and will attend official events with him. Oxhey ward Councillor, Tony Poole, was elected as vice-chairman, and will be accompanied by his wife, Sylvia on official engagements.

Outgoing chairman Tim Williams said that he was retiring from public life as he had lost his enthusiasm for local politics. He presented a cheque for £4,049.29 to Macmillan Cancer Relief, which is his chairman's charity. He thanked officers at the council and councillors.

He also warned the new chairman that he might face some weight gain with all the official engagements he would be attending in the coming year.